Osteoarthritis Pain

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common forms of arthritis. It is a chronic condition in which the material that cushions the joints, called cartilage, breaks down. This causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain and loss of joint movement. The cause is not fully understood.

Epidemiology

About 27 million people in America have osteoarthritis. Common risk factors include increasing age, obesity, previous joint injury, overuse of the joint, weak thigh muscles and genetics.

Symptoms

Osteoarthritis symptoms usually develop gradually. At first, there may be soreness or stiffness that seems more like a nuisance than a medical concern. The pain may be moderate and come and go, without affecting the ability to perform daily tasks. The pain and stiffness of more severe osteoarthritis may make it difficult to walk, climb stairs, sleep, or perform other daily tasks.

Common symptoms include:

&nbsp &nbsp Sore or stiff joints–particularly the hips, knees, and lower back–after inactivity or overuse. &nbsp &nbsp Stiffness after resting that goes away after movement. &nbsp &nbsp Pain that is worse after activity or toward the end of the day. &nbsp &nbsp OA can cause a crackling noise when the affected joint is moved or touched and &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp people may experience muscle spasms and contractions in the tendons. &nbsp &nbsp Some people report increased pain associated with cold temperature, high humidity,&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp and/or a drop in barometric pressure. &nbsp &nbsp In smaller joints, such as at the fingers, hard bony enlargements may form, &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp and though they are not necessarily painful, they do limit the movement of the fingers significantly. &nbsp &nbsp Digestive disorders &nbsp &nbsp Headaches/migraines &nbsp &nbsp Balance problems &nbsp &nbsp Itchy/burning skin

Causes

&nbsp &nbsp
There are several theories about the causes of fibromyalgia, from hormonal disturbances to stress to genetics.
&nbsp &nbsp Genetic factors may play a role in the development of fibromyalgia &nbsp &nbsp Lifestyle &nbsp &nbsp Stress &nbsp &nbsp Smoking &nbsp &nbsp Obesity &nbsp &nbsp Lack of physical activity &nbsp &nbsp Sleep disturbances &nbsp &nbsp Psychological factors such as major depression. &nbsp &nbsp Itchy/burning skin

Diagnosis

Your doctor will often make a diagnosis after doing a physical exam and discussing your symptoms with you. The reason for this is that a diagnosis to large extent is based on the way you feel.

&nbsp &nbsp Your doctor will use a few lab tests to make sure you don't have a more serious medical condition. &nbsp &nbsp Complete blood count (CBC): Measures the hemoglobin, red cells, white cells and platelets. &nbsp &nbspIt can also find many common blood disorders–such as anemia–that can cause fatigue.
&nbsp &nbsp Your doctor may ask for tests–including kidney and liver tests–that check blood chemistries.
&nbsp &nbsp level of cholesterol and other fats in your blood, calcium levels and more. &nbsp &nbsp In addition, your doctor may run thyroid tests to see if your thyroid is overactive or underactive.

After ruling out another serious medical problem, your doctor will consider whether or not your condition meets these fibromyalgia criteria:

&nbsp &nbsp Pain has been widespread in all four quadrants of your body. &nbsp &nbsp Pain has been present for a minimum of three months. &nbsp &nbsp There is no other disease that would be causing these symptoms. &nbsp &nbsp blood test–called FM/a–that identifies markers produced by immune system blood cells.

Treatment

There is no cure for fibromyalgia. Treatments are prescribed to decrease pain, improve muscle and joint function, and help avoid triggers that can worsen the symptoms.

Drugs

Some reduce pain, some relax tense muscles, some help with sleep, and some seek to correct neuro-chemical imbalances. Many people take several drugs to relieve symptoms.